Solar gazing globe

ABSTRACT

A lighting device is described having a diffuser having an aperture and generally enclosing a chamber. An electrical light source is positioned to direct light through at least a portion of the diffuser via the chamber. A circuit controls power to electrical light source. There is at least one solar cell. A base portion attaches to a portion of the diffuser proximate the aperture. The base portion includes a base housing, a substantially tubular neck portion extending below the base housing, and a battery compartment at least partially disposed in the neck portion providing a cavity to removably receive and support a rechargeable battery; and wherein the battery compartment is integrally formed with the neck portion. A support member is included to elevate the rechargeable battery above a substrate, the support member comprising an axial conduit running through the length of the center of rotational symmetry of the support member.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/269,964, filed on Sep. 19, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/251,479, filed on Apr. 11, 2014, nowabandoned, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/970,413, filed on Aug. 19, 2013, now abandoned, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/323,686, filed onDec. 12, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,514,094, which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/968,504, filed on Jan. 2, 2008 by S.Richmond entitled “Illuminated Wind Indicator”, now U.S. Pat. No.8,077,052, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/303,247, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,336,157, filed on Dec. 16, 2005by S. Richmond entitled “Illuminated Wind Indicator”, which claimspriority from, U.S. Provisional Patent application No. 60/642,382 filedon Jan. 7, 2005 by S. Richmond entitled “Wind Chime; U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/968,504 is also a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/755,917, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,448,347,filed on May 31, 2007, which claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent application 60/811,137 filed on Jun. 5, 2006; and is also acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/303,247, nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,336,157, filed on Dec. 16, 2005, and is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/420,160, nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,708,424, filed on May 24, 2006; and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/968,504 is also a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/420,160, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,708,424,filed on May 24, 2006, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/303,247 filed on Dec. 16, 2005, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Patent application No. 60/642,382 filed onJan. 7, 2005, the contents of which are all hereby incorporated byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to gazing globes and particularly to solarpowered gazing globes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A common form of domestic wind indictor is the wind chime in which aplurality of chime members and a striker are suspended from a supportportion, and arranged so that the striker collides with the chimemembers when moved by the wind.

Although a wind chime produces a pleasant sound, the visual aestheticappeal of the wind chime is typically relatively limited. Moreover, atnight, a wind chime cannot be heard through a closed window nor can itbe seen in the dark, limiting its effectiveness as a wind indicator insuch circumstances.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A lighting device is described having an at least partiallylight-transmissive diffuser having an aperture and generally enclosing achamber. An at least one electrical light source is positioned to directlight through at least a portion of the at least partiallylight-transmissive diffuser via the chamber. A circuit for controlspower to the at least one electrical light source. There is at least onesolar cell. A base portion attaches to a portion of the at leastpartially light-transmissive diffuser proximate the aperture. The baseportion includes a base housing, a substantially tubular neck portionextending below the base housing, and a battery compartment at leastpartially disposed in the neck portion providing a cavity to removablyreceive and support at least one vertically-oriented rechargeablebattery; and wherein the battery compartment is integrally formed withthe neck portion. A support member is included to elevate the at leastone vertically-oriented rechargeable battery above a substrate, thesupport member comprising an axial conduit running through the length ofthe center of rotational symmetry of the support member. The aperture isgenerally circular in shape; wherein the at least partiallylight-transmissive diffuser is secured to the base portion via theaperture and wherein the aperture and the base portion have generallycircular horizontal cross-sectional shapes. The axial conduit comprisesa recessed region to removably accommodate a portion of the neck portionsuch that the portion of the neck portion is hidden from a positionlateral to the support of when the portion of the neck portion is fullyinserted into the recessed region. The solar cell is exposed to thechamber so that the solar cell receives ambient light through at leastpart of the at least partially light-transmissive diffuser to charge theat least one vertically-oriented rechargeable battery.

These and other features of the invention will be more fully understoodby references to the following drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a wind indicator inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing components of the wind indicator shownin FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is circuit diagram showing circuitry for controlling a threecolor led display.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a wind indicator inaccordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view in part cross-section of the windindicator shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view of a further embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view of another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic view of yet another embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic view of one more embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic view of a further embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic view of a further embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic view of a further embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic view of a further embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic view of a further embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic view of a further embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic view of the embodiment of FIG. 10 with a blockdiagram representation of a metal frame.

FIG. 17 is a cross-section view of a gazing ball support.

FIG. 18 is a cross-section view of a solar gazing ball in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention mounted in a support.

FIG. 19 is a cross-section view of a solar gazing ball in accordancewith an alternate embodiment of the present invention mounted in asupport.

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing a power control circuit.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a solar powered gazing ball inaccordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to gazing globes and particularly to solarpowered gazing globes.

In a preferred embodiment, the illuminated wind indictor is a modifiedwind chime having a light emitting pendulum assembly with the lightbeing powered using a rechargeable battery and solar panels. In thismanner, power can be accumulated during the day and used to provideillumination at night.

A preferred embodiment of the illuminated window will now be describedby reference to the accompanying drawings in which, as far as possible,like numbers represent like elements.

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a wind indicator 10 inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention,comprising a light device 12 and a chime portion 14, the light device 12and the chime portion 14 being suspended on a support 16 provided with aspike 18.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the light device 12 includes ahousing portion 20 and a lid portion 22. The light device 12 in thisexample is of lantern-type appearance.

Disposed inside the housing portion 20 during use is a light source 24that may be configured so as to resemble the appearance of a candle. Thelight source 24 may include one or more light emitting elements (LEDs),and the light source 24 may be formed of translucent material so thatlight passing through the light source 24 during use is diffused.

The housing portion 20 includes a plurality of translucent ortransparent panels 28.

The light device 12 also includes a solar power converting means, inthis example in the form of solar panels 30, which serves to convertsolar power to electrical power. The solar panels 30 may be in the formof encapsulated polycrystalline PV solar panels or any other suitablesolar power converting means.

The light device 12 also includes means, in this example in the form ofa ring member 32, for facilitating hanging of the wind chime 10 from thesupport 16. However, it will be understood that any suitable hangingmeans may be provided.

It will be understood that although the support 16 includes a spike 18for facilitating mounting of the wind chime 10 relative to a groundportion of a garden, other arrangements for supporting the wind chime 10from a structure are envisaged.

The support 16 also includes a cross member 40 having a hook 42 disposedat a free end of the cross member 40 for receiving hanging means of alight device 12 such as a ring member 32.

The chime portion 14 includes a plurality of chime members 44 moveablysuspended from the housing portion 20, and a pendulum assembly alsomoveably suspended from the housing portion 20. In this example, thependulum assembly includes a striker disc 46 suspended using electricalwires 48 which pass from the light device 12 through the striker disc 46to a pendulum 50 disposed at an end of the electrical wires 48 remotefrom the light device 12.

The electrical wires 48 may be electrically connected to a second lightemitting element, in this example in the form of a second LED 52, thesecond LED 52 being disposed inside the pendulum 50 and the pendulum 50being formed of a suitable translucent or transparent material.

During use, electrical power is supplied from the rechargeable batteries31 to the first and second LEDs 26, 52 so as to cause light to passthrough the panels 28 of the housing portion 20 and to be emitted by thependulum 50.

It will be understood that since light is emitted by the pendulum 50, asthe wind impinges on the pendulum and/or the striker 46 during use, thependulum will be urged to move, thereby causing an aestheticallypleasing light flickering effect.

It will also be understood that since a flickering light effect occurswhen wind impinges on the pendulum and/or the striker, a user isprovided with a visual indication of the presence of wind. In this way,it is possible for a user to discern that wind is present even if thewind is not strong enough to cause the striker 46 to contact the chimemembers 44.

It will also be understood that at least part of the light emitted bythe pendulum 50 during use will be reflected by one or more of the chimemembers 44, thereby enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the wind chime 10.

As an alternative, the light source 52 may be disposed elsewhere in thependulum assembly, such as in the striker 46.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing components of the wind indicator shownin FIG. 1. In particular, electrical power supplied by the solar panels30 serves to recharge a rechargeable power source, in this examplerechargeable batteries 31 which may be, but are not limited to, NiCdbatteries.

In order to coordinate supply of electrical power from the solar panels30 to the rechargeable batteries 31 and from the rechargeable batteries31 to light emitting elements 26, a control unit 34 is provided.

The control unit 34 may be arranged to sense the ambient light level,for example using a light dependent resistor 36 and, if a determinationis made that a the ambient light is below a certain level, therechargeable battery is then connected so as to power the light source.

The control unit 34 may also be arranged to sense the ambient lightlevel, for example using a light dependent resistor 36 and, if adetermination is made that a sufficient ambient light is available forrecharging the batteries 31 using the solar panels 30, a connection ismade between the solar panels 30 and the batteries 31 and a rechargecurrent flows from the solar panels 30 to the batteries 31. If adetermination is made that insufficient ambient light is available, aconnection is not made between the solar panels 30 and the batteries 31and a current does not flow to the batteries. In this way, when thelight sensor detects ambient light of predetermined level, the solarpanel and rechargeable battery are connected so that the rechargeablebattery accumulates a charge. When another predetermined level ofambient light is detected, the rechargeable battery is then connected soas to power the light source.

The light device 12 may also be arranged to receive power directly froman external power source, for example by providing the light device 12with an appropriate step-down transformer (not shown) connectable tomains AC electrical power, and appropriate AC to DC conversioncircuitry. In addition, the light device 12 may be arranged to receivepower from an external power source and to use the power to recharge thebatteries 31.

In order to cause the LEDs 26 in the light source 24 to flicker, thecontrol unit 34 may be provided with an inverter (not shown) and theinverter controlled so as to generate an alternating current whichcauses the LEDs 26 to mimic the characteristic flicker of a flame.Alternatively, an irregular oscillating input may be applied to aswitching transistor so as to cause irregular switching of currentthrough the LEDs 26. Appropriate biasing signals for the switchingtransistor may be generated using multiple oscillators, each of which isarranged to oscillate at a different frequency. For example, a base ofthe switching transistor may be connected to outputs of multiple Schmitttrigger oscillators arranged to oscillate at different frequencies, theSchmitt trigger oscillators for example being constructed using aCMOS40106 Hex inverting Schmitt trigger integrated circuit.

The control unit 34 may be controllable so that the light source 24 iscaused to flicker or to not flicker, for example based on the positionof a manually operable switch.

The light source may also or instead include a colored light or a lightcapable of being used to provide varying colors.

FIG. 3 is circuit diagram showing circuitry for controlling a threecolor led display. This circuitry is described in detail in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/789,488 of S. Richmond entitled “A solar poweredlight assembly to produce a light of varying colors” filed on Feb. 6,2004, and in continuation-in-part U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/102,229 of S. Richmond entitled “A solar powered light assembly toproduce a light of varying colors” filed on Apr. 7, 2005, the contentsof both of which are hereby incorporated by reference. The power supplycircuit comprises a solar cell 130 connected in series to a forwardbiased diode 139, which is in turn connected to a positive terminal of abattery 133. A negative terminal of the battery 133 is then connected tothe solar cell 130 to complete the power supply circuit. In thisexample, the diode 139 is a model number IN5817 Schottky diode and thebattery comprises two rechargeable 1.2 volt battery cells. It will beapparent to a person skilled in the art that other diode and batteryconfigurations may be utilized without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention.

When the solar cell 130 is exposed to sufficient light, the solar cellconverts some of the solar energy to electrical energy and creates acurrent that passes through the diode 139 to charge the battery 133.Thus, during the day the solar cell 30 converts energy from the sun tocharge the battery 133. The diode 139 prevents the battery 133 fromexpending 130 any power on the solar cell 130.

The power supply circuit is connected in parallel to the light operatedcircuit, which is connected across the terminals of the battery 133. Thepositive terminal of the battery 133 is connected to a switch 140, whichis in turn connected to a 100 kΩ first resistor 141. The first resistor141 is connected in series with a second, light-dependent resistor 142.The second resistor 142 connects to the negative terminal of thebatteries 33 to complete the light operated circuit. The value ofresistance of the second resistor 142 depends on the amount of light towhich the second resistor 142 is exposed. When there is not much light,such as occurs during the night, the value of the second resistor 142increases. During the daytime, when there is sufficient light, the valueof the second resistor 142 decreases. Accordingly the resistor 42 allowsthe lighting device to operate only when there is insufficient light,i.e., at night.

The boost-up circuit is connected to the light operated circuit, inparallel with the first resistor 141 and the second, light-dependentresistor 142. A first circuit node 143 is defined between the switch 140and the first resistor 141. Connected to the node 143, is an emitterterminal of a first triode 144. A collector terminal of the first triode144 is connected in series with a 100 kΩ third resistor 145. The thirdresistor 145 is then connected to a point between the first resistor 141and the second resistor 142.

A 220 kΩ fourth resistor 146 is connected to node 143 across the emitterand base terminals of the first triode 144. In parallel with the fourthresistor 146, and also connected across the emitter and base terminalsof the first triode 144, is a 4.7 nF first capacitor 148.

Further connected to node 143, across the emitter and base terminals ofthe first triode 144 and in parallel with each of the fourth resistor146 and the first capacitor 148, is a 100 μH inductor 149 in series witha 1 nF second capacitor 150. The second capacitor is then connected tothe base terminal of the first triode 144.

A 20 kΩ fifth resistor 151 is connected across the base and collectorterminals of the first triode 144. Connected across the terminals of thethird resistor 145 are the collector and base terminals, respectively,of a second triode 152. The emitter terminal of the second triode 152 isconnected to the negative terminal of the batteries 133. Connectedbetween the inductor 149 and the second capacitor 150 is the collectorterminal of a third triode 153. The base terminal of the third triode 53is connected via an intermediary circuit to the collector terminal ofthe second triode 152. The intermediary circuit consists of a 2.4 kΩfourth resistor 154 in parallel with a 1 nF third capacitor 155. Theemitter terminal of the third triode 153 is connected to the negativeterminal of the battery 133.

Also connected between the inductor 149 and the second capacitor 150 isthe rectifier circuit. A forward biased second diode 156 is connected toa point between the inductor 149 and the second capacitor 150, and thento a positive terminal of a 33 μF fourth capacitor 157. The negativeterminal of the fourth capacitor 157 is connected to the negativeterminal of the battery 133. A second circuit node 158 is definedbetween the second diode 156 and the fourth capacitor 57. Connected inparallel with the fourth capacitor 157, between the second node 158 andthe negative terminal of the battery 133 is a reverse biased 4.5V thirddiode 159. The second diode 156, the fourth capacitor 157 and the thirddiode 159 comprise the rectifier circuit. Further connected to thesecond circuit node 158, in parallel with each of the capacitor 157 andthe reverse diode 159, is a light circuit 160.

The light circuit 160 contains an integrated circuit (IC) 161 forcontrolling lighting effects provided by the lighting device 110. In theembodiment shown, the IC 161 is a 16 pin, three color LED IC forcontrolling first, second and third light emitting diodes (LEDs) 134 A,134 B and 134 C. Each of pins 1, 15 and 16 is connected in series torespective switches 169, 170, 160. Each of the switches 169, 170 and 71is then connected to the negative terminal of the battery 133. In oneembodiment, the switches 169, 170, 171 correspond to the LEDs 134A,134B, and 134C to enable or disable a particular color range. In anotherembodiment, the switches 169, 170, 171 determine the frequency of acolor changing effect.

In a further embodiment, the switches 169, 170, 171 determine theintensity of light emitted by each of the LEDs 134 a, 134 B, and 134 C.Various combinations of the frequency and intensity of light are alsopossible. The switches 169, 170, 171 can be made accessible to a user tocreate custom lighting effects. Alternatively, the switches 169, 170,171 are set according to a predetermined configuration and are notreadily accessible by a user.

Pin 4 of the IC 161 enables an optional pause function. In thisembodiment, pin 4 connects to a push button 165 that is, in turn,connected to the negative terminal of the batteries 133. Pin 3 of the IC161 connects to the second circuit node 158. Connected to the secondcircuit node 158, and in parallel with one another, are the first secondand third forward biased light emitting diodes (LEDs) 134 A, 134 B and134 C.

The first LED 134 A is connected in series with a sixth resistor 166that is connected to pin 13 of the IC 161. The second LED 134 B isconnected in series with a seventh resistor 167 that is connected to pin12 of the IC 161. The third LED 134 C is connected in series with aneighth resistor 168 that is connected to pin 11 of the IC 161. In thisexample, the first LED 134 A is blue, the second LED 134 B is green andthe third LED 134 C is red.

Pins 6 and 8 of the IC 161 are tied to one another via a ninth resistor172, which in the embodiment shown is a 20 KW resistor. The valve of theninth resistor 171 determines the frequency of a color change created bythe IC 161. Accordingly, using different resistor valves for the ninthresistor 171 produces color changes of different frequencies. Pin 9 ofthe IC 161 is tied to the negative terminal of the battery 33.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a wind indicator 60 inaccordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention andFIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view in part cross-section of the windindicator shown in FIG. 4.

The wind indicator 60 may include circuitry similar to the circuitryshown in FIG. 2.

The wind indicator 60 illustrated in FIG. 4 differs from the windindicator 10 in that instead of providing a second light emittingelement 52 disposed in the pendulum 50, only one light emitting element26 is provided, the light emitting element 26 being disposed in thelight source 24 and the pendulum 50 being suspended from the housingportion 20 by a transparent or translucent tube 62. In order tofacilitate movement of the tube 62, the tube 62 may be connected to thehousing 20 by a pivot connection 64 or by any other suitable connectionarranged to facilitate movement of the tube 62 by the wind.

With this arrangement, the striker 46 and/or the pendulum 50 may also beformed of transparent or translucent material.

During use, light from the light source 24 passes through the panels 28of the housing portion 20 and also passes downwards through the tube 62so as to illuminate the tube 62 and, in variations wherein the striker46 and/or the pendulum 50 are also formed of transparent or translucentmaterial, so as to also illuminate the striker 46 and/or the pendulum50.

Other arrangements are also envisaged. For example, the tube 62 may beformed of opaque material and the striker 46 and/or the pendulum 50formed of transparent or translucent material so that light passingdownwards through the tube 62 from the light source 24 is emitted by thestriker 46 and/or the pendulum 50.

As a further alternative, instead of providing a plurality of chimemembers 44, a bell may be moveably suspended from the housing portion 20and the pendulum assembly disposed inside the bell.

In an alternate embodiment, there is timing circuitry contained in thehousing and electrically connected to the photoresistor such that thelight source illuminates at dusk and is turned off by the circuit aftera predetermined period of time, preferably, six hours to conservebattery charge.

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view of a further embodiment of the invention.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the light device 96 includes ahousing portion 20 which may be made from metal, plastic, wood or othersuitable material or combination thereof. Preferably, the upper portionof the housing 20 is made from a non-rusting metal such as brass oraluminum and the lower portion of the housing is made from plastic.Disposed upon the surface of the housing portion 20 are several solarphotovoltaic panels 30 that in the present embodiment are of acrystalline silicon structure. Preferably the solar panels are assembledusing a lamination process as opposed to an epoxy embedded process. Asan alternative, one or more amorphous silicon type solar panels may beused. Disposed within the housing is a rechargeable power source whichis recharged by the solar panels 30. In this embodiment the rechargeablepower source is in the form of two AA size 600 mA/hour nickel cadmiumbatteries 31 (not shown). Alternatively, other rechargeable powersources may be used including one or more nickel metal hydridebatteries, rechargeable alkaline batteries, lead acid batteries, lithiumion batteries or similar. Access to the batteries for replacement isthrough a user accessible battery compartment 94 (not shown) located onthe underside of the housing 20. A power supply circuit connects thesolar panels 30 in series to a forward based diode, which is in turnconnected to a positive terminal of at least one battery 31. A negativeterminal of the battery 31 is then connected to the solar panel 30 tocomplete a power supply circuit. In this example the diode may be amodel number IN5817 Schottky diode. It will be apparent to a personskilled in the art that other diode and battery configurations may beutilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.When the solar panel 30 is exposed to sufficient light, the solar panel30 converts some of the solar energy to electrical energy and creates acurrent that passes through the diode to charge the battery 31. Thus,during the day the solar panel 30 converts energy from the sun to chargethe battery 31. The diode prevents the battery 31 from expending anypower on the solar panel 30.

Also located within the housing is the control unit 34 (not shown) whichmay be arranged to sense the ambient light level, for example, in thepresent example, a light dependent cadmium sulfide resistor 36 locatedin a light exposed location on the housing, and if a determination ismade by the circuit that insufficient ambient light is available, aconnection is made between the batteries 31 and the light source 52 andor light source 50. If a determination is made that sufficient ambientlight is available, a connection is not made between the batteries 31and the light source 52 and or light source 50 and current does not flowfrom the batteries. Specifically, the positive terminal of the battery31 is connected to a switch (not shown), which is in turn connected to a100 kΩ first resistor (not shown). The first resistor is connected inseries with a second, photoresistor or light dependent resistor 36. Thesecond resistor 36 connects to the negative terminal of the batteries 31to complete the lighting circuit. The value of resistance of the secondresistor 36 depends upon the amount of light to which the secondresistor 36 is exposed. When there is not much light, such as occurs atnight, the value of the second resistor 36 increases. During thedaytime, when there is sufficient light, the value of the secondresistor 36 decreases. Accordingly, the resistor 36 allows the lightingcircuit to operate only when there is insufficient light, i.e. at night.

The chime portion includes a plurality of chime members 44 moveablysuspended from the housing portion 20, and a pendulum assembly alsomoveably suspended from the housing portion 20. In this example, thechime members 44 are suspended within a substantially fixed radiusequidistant of a central pendulum assembly.

In this example, the pendulum assembly includes a striker orb 46suspended using a metal chain 81. Also, connected to the striker orb 46are electrical wires 48 which pass from the housing into the strikerorb. In this example, the electrical wires 48 are electrically connectedto a light emitting element, in this example in the form of an LED 52,the LED 52 being disposed inside the striker orb 46 and the striker orb46 being formed at least partly of a suitable translucent or transparentmaterial. In this example that material is glass. Alternatively andadditionally, the electrical wires pass through the striker orb to apendulum wind catcher 50 disposed at the end of electrical wires 88remote from the housing 20. In this alternative, the electrical wires 88are electrically connected to a second light emitting element, in thisexample in the form of a second LED 90, the second LED 90 being disposedinside the pendulum wind catcher 50 and the pendulum wind catcher 50being formed at least partly of a suitable translucent or transparentmaterial. The pendulum wind catcher 50 harnesses the power of the windand transfers it to the striker orb 46, which moves to strike the chimemembers 44 and thus create an acoustic sound.

It will be understood that since light is emitted by the striker orb 46and/or the pendulum wind catcher 50, as the wind impinges on thependulum wind catcher, the pendulum will be caused to move, therebyproviding a visual indication of wind levels as night. In this way, itis possible for a user to discern from a lateral distance that wind ispresent even if the wind is not strong enough to cause the striker orb46 to contact one or more chime members 44. Further, if the striker orb46 is illuminated and the wind is strong enough to cause the striker orb46 to move, this thereby provides a visual indication of stronger windlevels as night. In the alternative where both the striker orb 46 andthe pendulum wind catcher 50 are illuminated, the relative movement ofthe pendulum wind catcher 50 and the striker orb 46 are visible at nightthus providing more detailed visual indication of wind levels as night.

The pendulum wind catcher 50, is of appropriate cross section to beaccelerated by local wind conditions, and is of sufficient mass totranslate appropriate kinetic energy to the striker orb 46, In thisregard, the pendulum wind catcher 50 is preferably at least 20% the massof the striker orb 46. In one embodiment the pendulum wind catcher 50 isabout 32 square inches and has a weight equal to 25% of the striker orb46. The larger surface area of the pendulum wind catcher for any givensize chime and pendulum wind catcher 50 weight, the less wind is neededto activate it. This embodiment will typically result in chime members44 sounding in eight to ten mile-per-hour breezes.

In one embodiment there are three LEDs of different colors being red,green and blue controlled by an integrated circuit (IC) powered by thebattery 31 electrically connected to the lighting circuit and connectedindependently to each of the LEDs for controlling and varying thebrightness of each of the three LEDs independently of the other LEDssuch that the LEDs together provide the effect of a continuouslychanging color spectrum. The IC independently ramps up and down thebrightness of each LED in a sequence and at a speed to produce a widespectrum of colors where each color is visible for a similar period oftime. The timing of the ramping up and down of the LEDs is not constantbecause some colors are produced by mixing the light of two or moredifferent colors. If the LED brightness change is constant then thesemixed colors such as cyan, orange, purple, and green are only visiblefor a much shorter time than the primary colors during the transitionbetween the display of the primary colors. Accordingly, the rampingspeed of the LEDs are varied during the display of mixed colors toextend the visible time of those colors to have a similar visibilityduration as the primary colors red, green and blue. Alternatively, theremay be two light sources of different colors instead of three.Alternatively, there may be a multiple of each of either the three LEDsabove or the two light sources above.

In one embodiment there is a user operable switch that activates the ICto select a desired fixed color. This user operable switch is preferablya push button switch but may be a slide switch or other type of useroperable switch. The color selection is stored in memory within an IC inthe circuit.

The chime members 44 are preferable made from anodized aluminum orelectroplated aluminum or brass. It will also be understood that atleast part of the light emitted by the striker orb 46 and/or thependulum wind catcher 50 during use will be reflected by the surface ofone or more chime members 44, thereby enhancing the aesthetic appeal ofthe wind chime at night and also a further visual indication of windlevels as night. In one embodiment chime members are tuned to A440, astandard orchestral pitch. In another embodiment the chimes members 44are tuned to the fundamental frequency of C 2. In this embodimentaluminum is the preferred chime member material to produce the bestsound for fundamental C2. For “non-bell sounding” chime embodimentstuned to fundamental C 6 then brass, copper or aluminum are equallypreferred as chime member 44 materials.

Preferably, a corrosion-protective finish is applied to the chimemembers 44 to preserve the aesthetic appearance and increase durabilityin hostile environments (acid rain, salt air).

The chime members 44 are suspended from the housing 20 by suspensionlines 92. The suspension lines 92 are preferably made from a nylon thatis highly resistant to abrasion, ultra-violet degradation, rot andmildew. The fundamental vibrational node of a tube occurs at 22.4% ofthe tube length from each end. Accordingly, the chime members aresuspended and the suspension lines 92 are attached to the chime members44 from a distance approximately 22.4% from the end of the chime members44 to reduce attenuation caused by energy wasted vibrating the chimemembers 44.

Preferably, the suspension lines 92 are centrally suspended from withineach chime member 44 attached to a horizontal cross line that isattached to both drill support holes with smoothly polished tube ends toprevent line wear. Alternatively, the suspension lines are suspendeddirectly from the drill support holes. In this embodiment, the drillsupport holes for affixing the suspension lines to the chime members arede-burred and burnished to minimize wear and tear of the line.

The striker 46 may be made from polyethylene, wood, glass, resin oranother material and is hung from the housing 20 from a central point ofthis radius and is usually of such a diameter to give a distance of0.75″ to 1.5″ to the suspended chime members 44. The striker 46 may bein the shape of an orb, sphere, disc or other suitable shape that issubstantially round in the widest horizontal plane. A striker 46 tochime members 44 distance of 0.75-1.00″ is suitable for moderate windconditions. For a lower frequency chime sound, a soft, heavy striker 46is preferred and for a higher frequency chime, sound, a harder, lighterstriker 46. Some embodiments use a short distance to produce a softer orslower strike since less time is provided for striker 46 acceleration(from wind blowing the pendulum wind catcher 50) from the concentricpoint, but allows strikes under low wind conditions. Some embodimentsuse a larger distance to provide a harder or faster strike, but demandshigher wind conditions to do so. The striker orb may also hook directlyonto the center of the underside of the housing 20 creating a convenientacoustic “off-on” feature.

There are two preferred vertical locations on the chime members 44 thatwork well for striking by the striker orb 46. One embodiment is a“non-bell sounding chime” for to produce the acoustic fundamental C 6and upwards. For these embodiments, striking at the center or the end ofthe chime member 44 is equally preferable. Alternatively, one embodimentis a “bell sounding” chime sound where it is preferred to excite allpossible frequency modes for good overtone representation. In thisembodiment striking at the very end of the chime member 44 is preferred.Striking at the end will assure the excitation of all modes since allmodes exhibit high impedance at the end of the chime member 44.

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view of another embodiment of the invention.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the electrical device 96includes a housing portion 20 which may be made from metal, plastic,wood or other suitable material or combination thereof. The housing mayhave a solid surface or be a horizontal open ring type commonly found inwind chimes where a ring is suspended below a central hanging point, thering acting a spacer and support for the chime members suspended belowit. Preferably, the major portion of the housing 20 is made from anon-rusting metal such as brass or aluminum. A rechargeable power sourceis disposed within the housing 20. Alternatively, disposed within thependulum assembly above the striker is a compartment 102 housing arechargeable power source 31, and control circuitry. This structure mayutilize a simple ring suspension system such as commonly found in windchimes thereby alleviating the need for a fully covered housing. In oneembodiment, there exists a battery housing 102 in which the batteries 31are vertically oriented. The battery housing 102 may be suspended from acentral hanging point. The rechargeable power source 31 is preferablyrecharged by two vertically oriented parallel and outwardly facingamorphous silicon solar panels 90 located at the end of a pendulum 50suspended by electrical wires 88 from the housing 20 or in analternative embodiment, from the battery compartment 102. In such anembodiment, the rechargeable power source is in the form of two AA size600 mA/hour nickel cadmium batteries 31 (not shown). Access to thebatteries for replacement is through a user accessible batterycompartment 102 (not shown) located under the housing 20 and above thestriker 46. A power supply circuit connects the solar panels disposed inthe pendulum 50 in series to a forward based diode, which is in turnconnected to a positive terminal of at least one battery 31. A negativeterminal of the battery 31 is then connected to the solar panel 90 tocomplete a power supply circuit. In this example the diode may be amodel number IN5817 Schottky diode. It will be apparent to a personskilled in the art that other diode and battery configurations may beutilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.When the solar panel 90 in the pendulum 50 is exposed to sufficientlight, the solar panel 90 converts some of the solar energy toelectrical energy and creates a current that passes through the diode tocharge the battery 31. Thus, during the day the solar panel 90 convertsenergy from the sun to charge the battery 31. The diode prevents thebattery 31 from expending any power on the solar panel 90.

Also located within the housing is the control unit 34 (not shown) whichmay be arranged to sense the ambient light level, for example, in thepresent example, a light dependent cadmium sulfide resistor located in alight exposed location on the housing, and if a determination is made bythe circuit that insufficient ambient light is available, a connectionis made between the batteries 31 and the light source 52 and or lightsource 50. If a determination is made that sufficient ambient light isavailable, a connection is not made between the batteries 31 and thelight source 52 current does not flow from the batteries. Specifically,the positive terminal of the battery 31 is connected to a switch (notshown), which is in turn connected to a 100 kΩ first resistor (notshown). The first resistor is connected in series with a second, lightdependent resistor 36. The second resistor 36 connects to the negativeterminal of the batteries 31 to complete the lighting circuit. The valueof resistance of the second resistor 36 depends upon the amount of lightto which the second resistor 36 is exposed. When there is not muchlight, such as occurs at night, the value of the second resistor 36increases. During the daytime, when there is sufficient light, the valueof the second resistor 36 decreases. Accordingly, the resistor 36 allowsthe lighting circuit to operate only when there is insufficient light,i.e. at night. Alternatively, the light sensitive resistor and operativecircuitry may be located in a suspended battery compartment 102.

The chime portion includes a plurality of chime members 44 moveablysuspended from the housing portion 20, and a pendulum assembly alsomoveably suspended from the housing portion 20. In this example, thechime members 44 are suspended within a substantially fixed radiusequidistant of a central pendulum assembly. It will be understood thatin the example where the housing is a ring, the chime members 44 aresuspended from the ring and the pendulum assembly may be suspended froma central hanging point.

In this example, the pendulum assembly includes a striker orb 46suspended from the battery compartment 102. Also, connected to thestriker orb 46 are electrical wires (not shown) that pass from thebattery compartment into the striker orb. In this example, theelectrical wires are electrically connected to a light emitting elementthat in this example takes the form of an LED 52. The LED 52 may bedisposed inside, or directed into, the striker orb 46. The striker orb46 may be formed, wholly or in part, of a suitable translucent ortransparent material. In this example that material is glass. Mechanicalconnection means to affix the striker orb to the battery compartment mayalso be provided in addition to the electrical wires. Such means mayinclude a chain or wire affixed to a mounting plate 86 that is locatedat the upper portion of the orb 46. The mounting plate may be plastic ormetal and may be mounting inside or external to the orb 46. In oneexample where the mounting plate is plastic and is located within theorb 46, a second plate is affixed outside the orb and connected to thefirst mounting via screws or rivets, and thus sandwiching the glassbetween the two plates and holding the glass in position. An additionaldecorative cover plate 86 may be provided to cover the second plateand/or the first mounting plate. A second pair of electrical wires arelocated between the housing and the solar panels located in the pendulum50, the electrical wires passing through the striker orb to the pendulumwind catcher 50 disposed at the end of electrical wires 88 remote fromthe housing 20. The pendulum wind catcher 50 harnesses the power of thewind and transfers it to the striker orb 46, which moves to strike thechime members 44 and thus create an acoustic sound. The pendulum windcatcher also harnesses the power of the sun as it further comprises atleast one amorphous silicon solar panel which converts light energy toelectrical energy. As an alternative, one or more crystalline siliconstructure type solar panels may be used. In that embodiment, the solarpanels are preferably assembled using a lamination process as opposed toan epoxy embedded process. The pendulum wind catcher 50 incorporatingthe solar cell 90 is of appropriate cross section to be accelerated bylocal wind conditions.

It will be understood that since light is emitted by the striker orb 46,as the wind impinges on the pendulum wind catcher 50, the pendulum willbe caused to move, thereby moving the illuminated striker orb 46. Inthis way, it is possible for a user to discern from a lateral distanceat night that wind is present to cause the striker orb 46 to contact oneor more chime members 44.

It will be understood that the orientation of the chime members are notnecessarily circular but may be oriented in a plane with a rectangularstriker. In another embodiment there is no striker and the chime membersmake noise by making contact with each other under the force of thewind.

In one embodiment of the invention, illustrated in FIG. 8, the housingis a vertically oriented shape such as a geometric circle, square,rectangle, star, heart or design such as a bird, butterfly, dragonfly,insect, reptile, and amphibian. In one embodiment there is no strikerand the housing itself is illuminated. In one embodiment the housingincorporates a ring arrangement and a vertically oriented shape. Anypart of the housing, hanging means, striker or pendulum assembly may beilluminated and powered by the solar cell 90 located in the pendulumassembly 50.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, illustrated in FIG. 9,there is no light source disposed within or on the wind chime. Insteadthe solar panel 90 located on the pendulum 50 provides a visualindication of wind and also provides power to an electrical circuit thatmay have one or more functions. One function may include the productionof an electronic sound or melody to simulate the sound of a wind chimewhen in use or of another sound including animal sounds such as birdsongor insect noises. This embodiment could also be used indoors near awindow where wind is not present. Another function may include poweringan insect deterring or killing device. Yet another function may includean environmental sensor such as a temperature sensing device that ispowered by the solar cell and transmits information about thetemperature and or the presence of wind to another location by radiofrequency means.

Many of the embodiments illustrated above have used LEDs to emit thelight. One of ordinary skill in the art would readily appreciate thatthe LED's could be replaced by any suitable light source, including asuitable luminescent material that may be a fluorescent material or aphosphorescent material.

For instance, in the embodiments of FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the orb 46 mayeffectively be a lens that admits light. The lens can be made of glass,plastic, resin, or glass fibers. The lens material includes any formedmaterial conventional to the art, such as glass, plastic or resin orglass fibers. In the present embodiment, the lens is made of glass andshaped like a sphere, having an internal layer of phosphorescentmaterial on part of the spherical inside wall thereof. Alternatively,the glass may be impregnated directly with the phosphorescent material.The phosphorescent material may be a phosphorescent pigment. A lightemitting outdoor fixture has a hollow lens that is partially impregnatedor coated with a light transmissive phosphorescent element.

The luminescent material or pigment may be one or more of: AlkalineEarth Metal Aluminate (and can include Strontium, Magnesium, Calcium,and Barium, Silicon and Titanium and typically doped with Europium),Alkaline Earth Aluminate w/Fluorescent Pigment, Coated Alkaline EarthAluminate, Alkaline Earth Silicate, and Zinc Sulfide. If Zinc Sulphideis used it needs to be waterproofed because is subject to humiditydamage that causes graying of the luminescent material. The elementalzinc separates from the crystals and migrates to the surface of thematerial, reducing luminance.

Preferably, there is no sulfur, uranium doped, or large amounts of Zincmixed in with any of the luminescent material or pigment. Silicate basemay be added to the manufacturing process to aid with the color meltinginto the glass surface. Alternatively, if the luminescent material orpigment is suitable for use with the heat involved with glass working,it can be mixed in with raw clear glass powder. Large clumps ofluminescent material or pigment should be avoided because this may causethe piece to crack during cooling. Very fine diameter luminescentmaterial or pigment is preferable.

The lens has one end connected to a base. The inside space of the lensmay be sealed by the base. Alternatively or additionally, thephosphorescent material may be coated with a light transmissivewaterproof coating. An ultraviolet LED (light emitting diode) may beinstalled in the space within the lens, or light from the LED may bedirected into the lens. After connection of the base 12 to a battery,electric current is connected to the LED, causing the LED to emitultraviolet light to strike the phosphorescent material, and thereforethe phosphorescent material is caused to emit visible light. Further,the inside space of the lens may be an empty space. The UV LED may bedirected into the lens and powered by a solar rechargeable batterysource. A printed circuit board mounted controller may serve toautomatically vary the brightness of the light source. Further, theprinted circuit board mounted controller may selectively activate thelight source in a time pulsed manner,

In one embodiment of the wind indicator illustrated in FIG. 7, theilluminated fixture comprises a light emitting diode (LED) (not shown)located proximate to a light transmissive lens orb 46 whereby the lensis illuminated from within by the LED.

The lens orb 46 forms a chamber and may be substantially constructedfrom hand-blown glass and comprises fluorescent and luminescent elementswithin it. The lens is sealed to prevent moisture from reaching saidfluorescent and luminescent elements.

This is achieved because a substantial percentage of the light emittedby the LED is in the ultraviolet light spectrum so that the LED emits atleast some light in the blacklight ultraviolet wavelength spectrum.

At least some part of said lens orb 46 exhibits fluorescence whenexcited by said LED and exhibits phosphorescence by emission of light bya luminescent element after excitation by the LED has ceased. Theprovision of the ultraviolet LED proximate to the phosphor assures thatupon activation of the LED, the phosphor is excited and continues tophosphoresce after the LED has been deactivated.

Regardless of the application method, once the phosphorescent materialis proximate to the surface of the lens, the UV LED directed into orlocated within the lens affords a highly efficient excitation of thephosphor resulting in efficient phosphorescent emission. A UV LEDoperative in the present invention preferably emits either UV-Acorresponding to between 315 nm and 405 nm or UV-B corresponding tobetween 280 nm and 320 nm. Operative UV LEDs herein include galliumindium nitride and gallium nitride.

Preferably, power is provided to the LED by a rechargeable battery thatis charged by a solar photovoltaic panel made from silicon. The batterysource is selected according to the present invention to have a voltageoutput to activate the light source. Battery types operative hereinalone or in series to increase the output voltage include nickelcadmium, nickel metal hydride, rechargeable alkaline and lithiumbatteries.

A user operable switch may selectively illuminate the LED. A battery(not shown) within the housing selectively forms a circuit with contactsof the switch and leads of the LED upon switch engagement. The emissionfrom the LED is directed onto phosphorescent laden glass lens fromwithin. The now stimulated phosphorescent pigments emits visible lightfor a period of time consistent with the phosphorescent particulatedecay time during the evening hours after the LED ceases to illuminate.

As a rule of thumb, if emission stops after the excitation source hasbeen removed, then the resulting luminance is called fluorescence; ifemission continues (so called “afterglow”) then it is calledphosphorescence.

The excitation time and saturation are primarily dependent onultraviolet irradiance of the material. Phosphorescent paints, enamelsand colorants are well known to the art and include, for example, U.S.Pat. Nos. 1,407,534; 1,637,963; 2,463,182; and 5,472,737. The choice ofphosphor being dictated by the desired color of phosphorescence.Exemplary phosphor materials known to the art illustratively includegroup II metal-calcogenides, rare earth oxides, sulfides, phosphates,and combinations thereof doped with lanthanide series ions, such asCaSr2S:Bi, CaAl2O4:Eu, Nd; and CaSrS:Eu, Dy. Specific compositions andcolors are well known to the art as detailed, for example, in U.S. Pat.Nos. 2,372,071; 2,979,467; 5,043,096; 4,857,228; 5,424,006; and5,376,303. It is appreciated that multiple color phosphors are readilyapplied to a lens to yield regions of differing color emission.

The best light sources for excitation are those rich in ultravioletlight.

The fixture may have a second housing attached to the lens orb 20 whichis made partly made from a plastic material that has ultravioletstability to reduce color shifting caused by prolonged exposure toultraviolet light.

Electrically connected to the housing resides a light source is directedinto or located within the lens, one or more a nickel cadmium batteries,a printed circuit board mounted controller, and a switch.

The light source includes at least one of, at least LED, and aphosphorescent emitter element. Preferably, the light source is a lightemitting diode (LED). The light source may also has a variable coloroutput provided by at least two light emitting diodes where the firstlight emitting diode has a first single color output and a second lightemitting diode where the first color output differs from the secondcolor output. Preferably, in one of the instances of a single LED, ormultiple LEDs, the light source includes a UV output or UV LED. Thevariable color light source optionally includes a third light emittingdiode having a third color output, where the third color output variesfrom the second color output. The variable color output of the lightsource is varied automatically through the printed circuit boardcontroller, which automatically cycles the light source color uponinitial switch activation and continues to cycle the colors until switchdeactivation. Typical cycle times range from 5 to 300 seconds.

Alternatively, the controller may vary the brightness of the lightsource up and down in brightness. Optionally, the cycle includes aperiod of no emission to allow for isolate visible phosphorescenceemission. When multiple light sources are present, it is appreciatedthat two or more light sources having different emission characteristicscan be controlled to afford different illumination levels and thereforea varying color emission. Preferably, the light source is oriented todirect a majority of the emission there from into and through the lens.

In an alternative embodiment, the light source is a UV LED, as describedwith respect to and the lens is decorated with a phosphorescent pigmentthat is stimulated by the emission of UV LED. Preferably, when the lightsource is UV LED, the UV LED is activated in a time pulsed manner by thecontroller consistent with the decay time of the phosphor pigment.

The switch is provided for selectively forming an electrical engagementbetween the light source and the battery source. Preferably, the switchis automatically activated by light levels through the use of a cadmiumsulfide light activated resistor. Preferably the switch is a firstswitch and a there is second a manual user operable switch. The secondswitch is preferably accessible externally to the lens.

Optionally, the printed circuit board mounted controller modifies thebattery source output voltage to either increase or decrease the batteryoutput voltage to more closely correspond to the light source activationvoltage. Preferably, the modified battery output voltage is within 20excess percent of the light source activation voltage. More preferably,the modified output voltage is within 10 excess percent of the lightsource activation output voltage. In instances where a light emittingdiode is the light source, it is often the case that the light emittingdiode activation voltage is greater than that of a single dry cell orlithium battery output voltage and as such multiple batteries operatingin series are required to drive the light emitting diode. Additionalbatteries increase the cost of the lighting device. As such, the use ofa conventional transformerless voltage step-up circuit may be employedto increase the battery output voltage to at least that of the LEDactivation voltage. Typically, step-up circuitry increases the batteryoutput voltage by a factor of between 1.6 and 3 in order to providesufficient voltage to drive a light emitting diode at its activationvoltage or above.

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic view of a further embodiment of the invention.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, the light device 200 includesa lens portion 214 which may be made from plastic, glass, resin or othersuitable light transmissive material or combination thereof. Preferably,the lens portion 214 is made from hand-blown glass. Preferably the lensportion 214 is substantially spherical except for its lower extremity.In the present embodiment, the lens portion 214 has an internal layer offluorescent or phosphorescent material or pigment 202 on part of thespherical inside wall thereof. In the present embodiment the pigment 202is formed in the shape of a rising swirl. Alternatively, the glass maybe impregnated directly with phosphorescent pigment. The lens portionforms a chamber and is substantially constructed from hand-blown glasswhich may have different colored glass elements 201 providing somecontrast. The lens portion 214 may further comprise fluorescent andluminescent elements 202 within it. The lens portion 214 is preferablysealed to prevent moisture from reaching the fluorescent and luminescentelements 202. Thus there is a light emitting outdoor fixture 200 havinga hollow light transmissive lens 214 which is partially impregnated orcoated with a light transmissive phosphorescent element 202.

Attached to the lens portion 214 is a base portion 204 which ispreferably made of a thermoplastic but may be made from metal or othersuitable material or combination thereof. Preferably, the base portion204 is attached to the lens portion 214 at the lower extremity of thelens portion 214. Directed into and/or disposed within the lens portionis an electrically powered light source 203, preferably at least onelight emitting diode (LED). The LED 203 is preferably supported by thebase 204. Connected to the LED 204 in the base portion 204 viaconductive elements 205 is a remote power supply unit 206.

Alternatively or additionally, the phosphorescent material 202 may becoated with a light transmissive waterproof coating. Preferably, the LED203 emits at least some ultraviolet light within the lens portion 214.Electric current is connected to the LED 203, causing the LED 203 toemit ultraviolet light to strike the phosphorescent material 202, andtherefore the phosphorescent material is caused to emit visible light.Further, the inside space of the lens portion may be an empty space.Thus there is an illuminated fixture comprising an LED 203 locatedproximate to a light transmissive lens portion 214 whereby the lensportion 214 is illuminated from within by the LED 203.

This is achieved because a substantial percentage of the light emittedby the LED is in the ultraviolet light spectrum so that the LED emits atleast some light in the blacklight ultraviolet wavelength spectrum.

At least some part of said lens portion 214 exhibits fluorescence whenexcited by said LED 203 and exhibits phosphorescence by emission oflight by a luminescent element 202 after excitation by the LED 203 hasceased. The provision of the ultraviolet (UV) emitting LED 203 proximateto the phosphor 202 assures that upon activation of the LED 203, thephosphor 202 is excited and continues to phosphoresce after the LED 203has been deactivated.

Regardless of the application method, once the phosphorescent material202 is proximate to the surface of the lens portion 214, the LED 203directed into or located within the lens portion 214 affords a highlyefficient excitation of the phosphor 202 resulting in efficientphosphorescent emission. An LED 203 operative in the present inventionpreferably emits some either UV-A light corresponding to between 315nanometers (nm) and 405 nm wavelength or UV-B light corresponding tobetween 280 nm and 320 nm wavelengths. The operative LED 203 herein mayinclude gallium indium nitride and gallium nitride. Preferably, thelight source 203 is oriented to direct a majority of the emission therefrom into and outward through the lens portion 214.

The conductive elements 205 are preferably releasably connected toeither or both of the base 204 or the remote power supply unit 206. Aplug and socket arrangement facilitates the connection and release ofthe conductive elements 205 with the base 204 and/or the remote powersupply unit 206. The lens portion 214 is usually installed in a stone orpolyresin pedestal base or metal frame that is sold separately.

FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic view of an in situ installation of theinvention showing a block diagram form representation of a metal frame260. In FIG. 16, the metal frame 260 supports the lens portion 214 withthe base 204 protruding below the frame 260 allowing space for theconductive elements 205 to be located within the vertical confines ofthe frame 260 area. The releasable cabling arrangement facilitatesinstallation of the lens portion 214 with the base portion 204 in such apedestal base or metal frame 260. The present invention can be used toreplace existing “gazing globe” installations.

In FIG. 10, the power supply unit 206 has a housing 207 that ispreferably made from two upper and lower plastic parts mated together.The two housing 207 parts are preferably connected together usingstainless steel screws. Also disposed within the lower portion of thehousing 207 is a battery access panel to access batteries 209.

Disposed upon the surface of the power supply unit 206 are severalphotovoltaic panels 212 that in the present embodiment are of acrystalline silicon structure. Preferably the solar panels are assembledusing a lamination process as opposed to an epoxy encapsulation process.As an alternative, one or more amorphous silicon type solar panels maybe used. Disposed within the power supply unit 206 is a rechargeablepower source which is recharged by the solar panels 212. In thisembodiment the rechargeable power source is in the form of two AA size600 mA/hour nickel cadmium batteries 209 (not shown). Alternatively,other rechargeable power sources may be used including one or morenickel metal hydride batteries, rechargeable alkaline batteries, leadacid batteries, lithium ion batteries or similar. Access to thebatteries for replacement is through a user accessible batterycompartment (not shown) located on the underside of the power supplyunit 206. A power supply circuit connects the solar panels 212 in seriesto a forward based diode, which is in turn connected to a positiveterminal of at least one battery 209. A negative terminal of the battery209 is then connected to the solar panel 212 to complete a power supplycircuit. In this example the diode may be a model number IN5817 Schottkydiode. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that otherdiode and battery configurations may be utilized without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention. When the solar panel 212 isexposed to sufficient light, the solar panel 212 converts some of thesolar energy to electrical energy and creates a current that passesthrough the diode to charge the battery 209. Thus, during the day thesolar panel 212 converts energy from the sun to charge the battery 209.The diode prevents the battery 209 from expending any power on the solarpanel 212.

Attached to the power supply unit 206 is a pole 210 attached to a groundstake 211 for affixing the power supply unit 206 in an upright positioninto a ground surface. The length of the pole 210 is preferably ofsufficient height to raise the power supply unit 206 above the height ofpooled water during rain. The length of the pole 210 is may also be ofsufficient height to raise the power supply unit 206 above surroundingground shrubbery to ensure the solar panel 212 is exposed to sunlight.

The housing 207 is preferably attached to the pole 210 with a useroperable hinge 213 (not shown) that allows the angle of the housing 207relative to the pole 210 to be adjusted parallel to the pole 210. Theangle of the housing 207 is adjusted at the time of packaging tofacilitate slimmer packaging and then adjusted by the user at the timeof installation to face the midday sun to ensure the photovoltaic cells212 receive the maximum solar energy. In higher latitudes this angleincreases from the horizontal as the installation location is locatedtowards the north and south pole.

Also located within the power supply unit 206 is a control unit 216 (notshown) which may be arranged to sense the ambient light level, forexample, in the present example, a light dependent cadmium sulfideresistor 208 located in a light exposed location on the power supplyunit 206, and if a determination is made by the circuit thatinsufficient ambient light is available, a connection is made betweenthe batteries 209 and the light source 203. If a determination is madethat sufficient ambient light is available, a connection is not madebetween the batteries 209 and the light source 203 and current does notflow from the batteries. Specifically, the positive terminal of thebattery 209 is connected to a switch (not shown), which is in turnconnected to a 100 kΩ first resistor (not shown). The first resistor isconnected in series with a second, light dependent resistor 208. Thesecond resistor 208 connects to the negative terminal of the batteries209 to complete the lighting circuit. The value of resistance of thesecond resistor 208 depends upon the amount of light to which the secondresistor 208 is exposed. When there is not much light, such as occurs atnight, the value of the second resistor 208 increases. During thedaytime, when there is sufficient light, the value of the secondresistor 208 decreases. Accordingly, the resistor 208 allows thelighting circuit to operate only when there is insufficient light, i.e.at night.

Preferably the lens portion 214 is electrically illuminated for at leastsix hours.

The control unit 216 may serve to automatically vary the brightness ofthe LED 203. Optionally, the cycle includes a period of no emission toallow for isolated visible phosphorescence emission. When multiple lightsources 203 are present, it is appreciated that two or more lightsources having different emission characteristics can be controlled toafford different illumination levels and therefore a varying coloremission.

Further, the control unit 216 may selectively activate the LED 203 in atime pulsed manner. Preferably, when the light source 203 is a UV LED,the UV LED is activated in a time pulsed manner by the controller 216consistent with the decay time of the phosphor pigment.

The light device 200 may also be arranged to receive power directly froman external power source, for example by providing the light device 200with an appropriate step-down transformer (not shown) connectable tomains AC electrical power, and appropriate AC to DC conversion circuitryinstead of connection to the remote power supply unit 206. In addition,the light device 200 may be arranged to additionally receive power froman external power source and to use the power to recharge the batteries209 in the remote power supply unit 206.

The electrical light source 203 may flicker with a candle likeappearance. In order to cause the electrical light source 203 toflicker, the control unit 216 may be provided with an inverter (notshown) and the inverter controlled so as to generate an alternatingcurrent which causes the electrical light source 203 to mimic thecharacteristic flicker of a flame. Alternatively, an irregularoscillating input may be applied to a switching transistor so as tocause irregular switching of current through the LED 203. Appropriatebiasing signals for the switching transistor may be generated usingmultiple oscillators, each of which is arranged to oscillate at adifferent frequency. For example, a base of the switching transistor maybe connected to outputs of multiple Schmitt trigger oscillators arrangedto oscillate at different frequencies, the Schmitt trigger oscillatorsfor example being constructed using a CMOS40106 Hex inverting Schmitttrigger integrated circuit.

The control unit 216 may be controllable so that the light source 203 iscaused to flicker or to not flicker, for example based on the positionof a manually operable switch.

The light source 203 may also or instead include a colored light or alight capable of being used to provide varying colors. As the glass inthe lens portion 214 is preferably of more than one colored glass, thedifferent colors produced by the light source 203 appropriatelyilluminate the corresponding colors within the glass of the lens portion214. The light source 203 may include at least one of a red, green, blueand at least one of an ultraviolet emitting light source such that thefluorescent pigments 202 are excited by the ultraviolet light and thecolors in the glass 201 are alternatively illuminated by the changingcolors of the spectrum produced by the changing interaction of thedifferent colored light sources. Alternatively there may be at least twodifferent colored light sources 203 instead of three.

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic view of a further embodiment of the invention.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, the illumination functions arethe same as in FIG. 10 however, the power supply unit 206 is not remotefrom the lens portion 214 but is mechanically fixed onto a pole portionwhich has an upper pole portion 272 above the power supply unit 206 anda lower pole portion 273 below the power supply unit 206. The lower poleportion 273 is affixed into a ground surface. Preferably, the upper poleportion 272 is releasably connected to the lower pole portion 273 tofacilitate packaging and transportation. As in the embodiment disclosedin FIG. 10, the power supply unit 206 is similarly hinged to the pole272 with hinges 213 (not shown).

Conductive elements are disposed within the upper pole portion 272 andcarry electrical current from the power supply unit 206 to the lightsource (not shown) disposed proximate to the lens portion 214 such thatlight is directed from within the lens portion 214. The lens portion 214is rigidly fixed on a frame 271 that is connected to the upper poleportion 272.

In this embodiment a surround frame 270 encircles the lens portion 214.The surround frame 270 adds a decorative element but also provides someimpact protection for the lens portion 214 should the fixture toppleover and fall. The frame may be any decorative shape such as a sun,flower, moon, insect, or geometric shape. The surround frame maypartially or fully encircle the lens portion 214 and may surround thelens portion 214 in two or three dimensions. When illuminated, lightemanating from the lens portion 214 illuminates at least part of theframe 270 providing nighttime illumination of the decoration.

The pole portions and frame portions are preferably made from metal suchas brass, aluminum, iron or steel.

FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 are diagrammatic views of a further embodiment ofthe invention.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12, 13 and 14, the illuminationfunctions are the same as in FIGS. 10 and 11 and the lens portions areof the same materials and functions however, the photovoltaic panel 212is integral with the glass lens portion 281 and is affixed to an uppersurface of the lens portion 281 that has a recess constructed into thelens portion 281 to position the solar panel 212 and recess it into thesurface of the lens portion. A small hole (not shown) is made in thelens portion 281 beneath the solar panel 212 to allow conductiveelements to carry current from the solar panel into the lens portion 281to a control unit 216 located on an upper portion of the base 204 whichis releasably attached to the lens portion. The small hole is airtightand waterproofed around the hole. The seal between the lens portion 281and the base 209 is preferably waterproof such that the light fixture280 will float upright in water. Because the light fixture 280 isairtight above the waterline, the air within the light fixture 280 willcause the fixture 280 to float on water when the base 204 is sealed tothe lens portion 281. Preferably, the base 204 is affixed to the lensportion 281 with a screw threaded arrangement. A gasket assists in thewaterproofing.

Preferably the solar panels 212 are assembled using a lamination processas opposed to an epoxy encapsulation process. As an alternative, one ormore amorphous silicon type solar panels may be used. Disposed withinthe light fixture 280 and affixed to the base 204 is a rechargeablepower source which is recharged by the solar panels 212. In thisembodiment the rechargeable power source is in the form of two AA size600 mA/hour nickel cadmium batteries 209. Alternatively, otherrechargeable power sources may be used including one or more nickelmetal hydride batteries, rechargeable alkaline batteries, lead acidbatteries, lithium ion batteries or similar. Access to the batteries forreplacement is through a user accessible battery compartment (not shown)located on the underside of the power supply unit 206. A power supplycircuit 216 connects the solar panels 212 in series to a forward baseddiode, which is in turn connected to a positive terminal of at least onebattery 209. A negative terminal of the battery 209 is then connected tothe solar panel 212 to complete a power supply circuit. In this examplethe diode may be a model number IN5817 Schottky diode. It will beapparent to a person skilled in the art that other diode and batteryconfigurations may be utilized without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention. When the solar panel 212 is exposed tosufficient light, the solar panel 212 converts some of the solar energyto electrical energy and creates a current that passes through the diodeto charge the battery 209. Thus, during the day the solar panel 212converts energy from the sun to charge the battery 209. The diodeprevents the battery 209 from expending any power on the solar panel212.

The control unit 216 may be arranged to sense the ambient light level,for example, in the present example, a light dependent cadmium sulfideresistor (not shown) located in a light exposed location on the lightfixture, and if a determination is made by the circuit that insufficientambient light is available, a connection is made between the batteries209 and the light source 203.

FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic view of a further embodiment of the invention.In the illuminated wind indicator 290 of FIG. 15, a solar panel 292 andbatteries (not shown) are housed in a components module 294 that may beattached to a hollow, or partially hollow, support 296. The support 296is shaped so that an illuminated pendulum 298 may be supported by, forinstance being attached to a toroidal, or partially toroidal ring 300that is threaded over the support 296 and allowed to hang from a bend inthe support 296. The electrical wiring connecting the components module294 to the illuminated pendulum 298 may for instance run up inside thesupport 296 and exit the support at, or in the vicinity, of the nadir ofthe bend from which the illuminated pendulum 298 is suspended. Thechimes 302 may, for instance, hang from a chime support ring 304 thatmay itself be hanging from the toroidal ring 300 by spokes 306 that maythemselves be stiff or flexible.

FIG. 17 is a cross-section view of a gazing ball support 400. The gazingball support 400 is typically a cylindrical container having a topsurface 402 and a base 404. The gazing ball support 400 may have atapered side 408. The gazing ball support 400 may be a solid structurewith an interior 410 that is wood, concrete, plastic or other solid orsemi-solid material suitable for outdoor use. In addition, the gazingball support 400 has a cylindrical recess 412 designed to comfortablyaccommodate the tubular neck 104 of the gazing globe 100. The gazingball support 400 may further have an axial conduit 1414 running throughits center of rotational symmetry.

Although the gazing ball support 400 has been shown as a simplepedestal, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a gazingball support 400 may take many forms and still embody the inventiveconcepts of this application including, but not limited to, figure likestatures or portions thereof, including, but not limited to, angels,hands, animals, children or women. Furthermore, these figures may be inany poses including, but not limited to, standing, kneeling or sittingwhile still retaining the necessary structure required for supportingthe gazing globe such as, but not limited to, structure selected fromthe top surface 402, the cylindrical recess 412, the axial conduit 414or the base 404 or any suitable combination thereof.

FIG. 18 is a cross-section view of a solar gazing ball in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention mounted in a support. Thegazing globe 100 has its tubular neck 104 with the base portion 110attached via the tubular flange 106 located in the cylindrical recess412 of the gazing ball support 400. The conductive wire 108 is loopedback up the cylindrical recess 412 and over the top surface 402.

FIG. 19 is a cross-section view of a solar gazing ball 100 in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention mounted in a support 400.The gazing globe 100 has its tubular neck with the base portion attachedvia the tubular flange located in the cylindrical recess 412 of thegazing ball support 400 of FIG. 17. The conductive wire 108 is fed downthe axial conduit 414.

The light source 134A and 134B may also or instead include a coloredlight or a light capable of being used to provide varying colors.

In one embodiment there are three LEDs of different colors being red,green and blue controlled by an integrated circuit (IC) powered by abattery electrically connected to the lighting circuit and connectedindependently to each of the LEDs for controlling and varying thebrightness of each of the three LEDs independently of the other LEDssuch that the LEDs together provide the effect of a continuouslychanging color spectrum. The IC independently ramps up and down thebrightness of each LED in a sequence and at a speed to produce a widespectrum of colors where each color is visible for a similar period oftime. The timing of the ramping up and down of the LEDs is not constantbecause some colors are produced by mixing the light of two or moredifferent colors. If the LED brightness change is constant then thesemixed colors such as cyan, orange, purple, and green are only visiblefor a much shorter time than the primary colors during the transitionbetween the display of the primary colors. Accordingly, the rampingspeed of the LEDs are varied during the display of mixed colors toextend the visible time of those colors to have a similar visibilityduration as the primary colors red, green and blue. Alternatively, theremay be two light sources of different colors instead of three.Alternatively, there may be a multiple of each of either the three LEDsabove or the two light sources above.

In one embodiment there is a user operable switch that activates the ICto select a desired fixed color. This user operable switch is preferablya push button switch but may be a slide switch or other type of useroperable switch. The color selection is stored in memory within an IC inthe circuit.

The light source 134A and 134B, that may be a light emitting diode (LED)may be disposed inside, or directed into, the gazing globe 100. Thegazing globe 100 may be formed, wholly or in part, of a suitabletranslucent or transparent material. In this example that material isglass. One of ordinary skill in the art would readily appreciate thatthe LED's could be replaced by any suitable light source including asuitable luminescent material that may be a fluorescent material or aphosphorescent material.

For instance, gazing globe 100 may effectively be a lens that admitslight. The lens can be made of glass, plastic, resin, or glass fibers.The lens material includes any formed material conventional to the art,such as glass, plastic or resin or glass fibers. In the presentembodiment, the lens is made of glass and shaped like a sphere, havingan internal layer of phosphorescent material on part of the sphericalinside wall thereof. Alternatively, the glass may be impregnateddirectly with the phosphorescent material. The phosphorescent materialmay be a phosphorescent pigment. A light emitting outdoor fixture has ahollow lens that is partially impregnated or coated with a lighttransmissive phosphorescent element.

The luminescent material or pigment may be one or more of: AlkalineEarth Metal Aluminate (and can include Strontium, Magnesium, Calcium,and Barium. Silicon and Titanium and typically doped with Europium),Alkaline Earth Aluminate w/Fluorescent Pigment, Coated Alkaline EarthAluminate. Alkaline Earth Silicate, and Zinc Sulfide. If Zinc Sulphideis used it needs to be waterproofed because is subject to humiditydamage that causes graying of the luminescent material. The elementalzinc separates from the crystals and migrates to the surface of thematerial, reducing luminance.

Preferably, there is no sulfur, uranium doped, or large amounts of Zincmixed in with any of the luminescent material or pigment. Silicate basemay be added to the manufacturing process to aid with the color meltinginto the glass surface. Alternatively, if the luminescent material orpigment is suitable for use with the heat involved with glass working,it can be mixed in with raw clear glass powder. Large clumps ofluminescent material or pigment should be avoided because this may causethe piece to crack during cooling. Very fine diameter luminescentmaterial or pigment is preferable.

Ultraviolet light emitted by a UV LED may strike the phosphorescentmaterial in or on the hollow glass sphere 102, and therefore thephosphorescent material is caused to emit visible light. The UV LED maybe powered by a solar rechargeable battery source. A printed circuitboard mounted controller may serve to automatically vary the brightnessof the light source. Further, the printed circuit board mountedcontroller may selectively activate the light source in a time pulsedmanner,

The gazing globe 100 may be substantially constructed from hand-blownglass and comprise fluorescent and luminescent elements within it. Thegazing globe 100 may be sealed by the tubular flange 106 to preventmoisture from reaching the fluorescent and luminescent elements.

This is achieved because a substantial percentage of the light emittedby the LED is in the ultraviolet light spectrum so that the LED emits atleast some light in the blacklight ultraviolet wavelength spectrum.

At least some part of hollow glass sphere 102 exhibits fluorescence whenexcited by said LED and exhibits phosphorescence by emission of light bya luminescent element after excitation by the LED has ceased. Theprovision of the ultraviolet LED proximate to the phosphor assures thatupon activation of the LED, the phosphor is excited and continues tophosphoresce after the LED has been deactivated.

Regardless of the application method, once the phosphorescent materialis proximate to the surface of the hollow glass sphere 102, the UV LEDdirected into or located within the lens affords a highly efficientexcitation of the phosphor resulting in efficient phosphorescentemission. A UV LED operative in the present invention preferably emitseither UV-A corresponding to between 315 nm and 405 nm or UV-Bcorresponding to between 280 nm and 320 nm. Operative UV LEDs hereininclude gallium indium nitride and gallium nitride.

Preferably, power is provided to the LED by a rechargeable battery thatis charged by a solar photovoltaic panel made from silicon. The batterysource is selected according to the present invention to have a voltageoutput to activate the light source. Battery types operative hereinalone or in series to increase the output voltage include nickelcadmium, nickel metal hydride, rechargeable alkaline and lithiumbatteries.

A user operable switch may selectively illuminate the LED. A battery(not shown) within the housing selectively forms a circuit with contactsof the switch and leads of the LED upon switch engagement. The emissionfrom the LED is directed onto phosphorescent-laden glass lens fromwithin. The now stimulated phosphorescent pigments emits visible lightfor a period of time consistent with the phosphorescent particulatedecay time during the evening hours after the LED ceases to illuminate.

As a rule of thumb, if emission stops after the excitation source hasbeen removed, then the resulting luminance is called fluorescence; ifemission continues (so called “afterglow”) then it is calledphosphorescence.

The excitation time and saturation are primarily dependent onultraviolet irradiance of the material. Phosphorescent paints, enamelsand colorants are well known to the art and include, for example, U.S.Pat. Nos. 1,407,534; 1,637,963; and 5,472,737. The choice of phosphor isdictated by the desired color of phosphorescence. Exemplary phosphormaterials known to the art illustratively include group IImetal-calcogenides, rare earth oxides, sulfides, phosphates, andcombinations thereof doped with lanthanide series ions, such asCaSr2S:Bi, CaAl2O4:Eu. Nd; and CaSrS:Eu, Dy. Specific compositions andcolors are well known to the art as detailed, for example, in U.S. Pat.Nos. 2,372,071; 2,979,467; 5,043,096; 4,857,228; 5,424,006; and5,376,303. It is appreciated that multiple color phosphors are readilyapplied to a lens to yield regions of differing color emission.

The best light sources for excitation are those rich in ultravioletlight.

The light source includes at least one of, at least LED, and aphosphorescent emitter element. Preferably, the light source is a lightemitting diode (LED). The light source may also has a variable coloroutput provided by at least two light emitting diodes where the firstlight emitting diode has a first single color output and a second lightemitting diode where the first color output differs from the secondcolor output. Preferably, in one of the instances of a single LED, ormultiple LEDs, the light source includes a UV output or UV LED. Thevariable color light source optionally includes a third light emittingdiode having a third color output, where the third color output variesfrom the second color output. The variable color output of the lightsource is varied automatically through the printed circuit boardcontroller, which automatically cycles the light source color uponinitial switch activation and continues to cycle the colors until switchdeactivation. Typical cycle times range from 5 to 300 seconds.

Alternatively, the controller may vary the brightness of the lightsource up and down in brightness. Optionally, the cycle includes aperiod of no emission to allow for isolate visible phosphorescenceemission. When multiple light sources are present, it is appreciatedthat two or more light sources having different emission characteristicscan be controlled to afford different illumination levels and thereforea varying color emission. Preferably, the light source is oriented todirect a majority of the emission there from into and through the lens.

In an alternative embodiment, the light source is a UV LED, as describedabove and the lens is decorated with a phosphorescent pigment that isstimulated by the emission of UV LED. Preferably, when the light sourceis UV LED, the UV LED is activated in a time pulsed manner by thecontroller consistent with the decay time of the phosphor pigment.

The switch is provided for selectively forming an electrical engagementbetween the light source and the battery source. Preferably, the switchis automatically activated by light levels through the use of a cadmiumsulfide light activated resistor. Preferably the switch is a firstswitch and a there is second a manual user operable switch. The secondswitch is preferably accessible externally to the lens.

Although the gazing globe 100 is illustrated as a hollow glass sphere102, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that agazing globe of a variety of shape could readily be substituted,including, but not limited to, gazing globes that a portions of aspheroid, rotationally symmetric tear drop shapes, flower shaped,including open, trumpet-like flower shapes. Furthermore, one of ordinaryskill in the art will readily appreciate that the inventive concepts ofthis application may be applied to plastic and glass structures that donot have rotational symmetry such as, but not limited to, box or cubeshaped lantern like structures.

Although the embodiment described herein utilizes spherical objects, itwill be apparent to one of skill in the art that any other shape may beused, so long as access is provided to an internal cavity for the lightto be directed therein. As additional examples of many, the inventionmay accordingly be used to provide illuminated and illuminated plusluminescent animal forms, faux rocks, statues, bird baths, bird feeders,hose guides. hanging decorations, planters and so forth.

FIG. 20 is circuit diagram showing circuitry for controlling a two-colorled display. This circuitry similar to that described in detail in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/789,488 of S. Richmond entitled “A solarpowered light assembly to produce a light of varying colors” filed onFeb. 6, 2004, and in continuation-in-part U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11/102,229 of S. Richmond entitled “A solar powered light assemblyto produce a light of varying colors” filed on Apr. 7, 2005, thecontents of both of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Thepower supply circuit comprises a solar cell 30 connected in series to aforward biased diode 139, which is in turn connected to a positiveterminal of a battery 33. A negative terminal of the battery 33 is thenconnected to the solar cell 30 to complete the power supply circuit. Inthis example, the diode 139 is a model number IN5817 Schottky diode andthe battery comprises two rechargeable 1.2 volt battery cells. It willbe apparent to a person skilled in the art that other diode and batteryconfigurations may be utilized without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention.

When the solar cell 30 is exposed to sufficient light, the solar cellconverts some of the solar energy to electrical energy and creates acurrent that passes through the diode 139 to charge the battery 33.Thus, during the day the solar cell 30 converts energy from the sun tocharge the battery 33. The diode 139 prevents the battery 33 fromexpending any power on the solar cell 30.

The power supply circuit is connected in parallel to the light operatedcircuit, which is connected across the terminals of the battery 33. Thepositive terminal of the battery 33 is connected to a switch 140, whichis in turn connected to a 100 kΩ first resistor 141. The first resistor141 is connected in series with a second, light-dependent resistor 142.The second resistor 142 connects to the negative terminal of thebatteries 33 to complete the light operated circuit. The value ofresistance of the second resistor 142 depends on the amount of light towhich the second resistor 142 is exposed. When there is not much light,such as occurs during the night, the value of the second resistor 142increases. During the daytime, when there is sufficient light, the valueof the second resistor 142 decreases. Accordingly the resistor 142allows the lighting device to operate only when there is insufficientlight, i.e., at night.

The boost-up circuit is connected to the light operated circuit, inparallel with the first resistor 141 and the second, light-dependentresistor 142. A first circuit node 143 is defined between the switch 140and the first resistor 141. Connected to the node 143, is an emitterterminal of a first triode 144. A collector terminal of the first triode144 is connected in series with a 100 kΩ third resistor 145. The thirdresistor 145 is then connected to a point between the first resistor 141and the second resistor 142.

A 220 kΩ fourth resistor 146 is connected to node 143 across the emitterand base terminals of the first triode 144. In parallel with the fourthresistor 146, and also connected across the emitter and base terminalsof the first triode 144, is a 4.7 nF first capacitor 148.

Further connected to node 143, across the emitter and base terminals ofthe first triode 144 and in parallel with each of the fourth resistor146 and the first capacitor 148, is a 100 pH inductor 149 in series witha 1 nF second capacitor 150. The second capacitor is then connected tothe base terminal of the first triode 144.

A 20 kΩ fifth resistor 151 is connected across the base and collectorterminals of the first triode 144. Connected across the terminals of thethird resistor 145 are the collector and base terminals, respectively,of a second triode 152. The emitter terminal of the second triode 152 isconnected to the negative terminal of the batteries 33. Connectedbetween the inductor 149 and the second capacitor 150 is the collectorterminal of a third triode 153. The base terminal of the third triode153 is connected via an intermediary circuit to the collector terminalof the second triode 152. The intermediary circuit consists of a 2.4 kΩfourth resistor 154 in parallel with a 1 nF third capacitor 155. Theemitter terminal of the third triode 153 is connected to the negativeterminal of the battery 33.

Also connected between the inductor 149 and the second capacitor 150 isthe rectifier circuit. A forward biased second diode 156 is connected toa point between the inductor 149 and the second capacitor 150, and thento a positive terminal of a 33 μF fourth capacitor 157. The negativeterminal of the fourth capacitor 157 is connected to the negativeterminal of the battery 33. A second circuit node 158 is defined betweenthe second diode 156 and the fourth capacitor 157. Connected in parallelwith the fourth capacitor 157, between the second node 158 and thenegative terminal of the battery 33 is a reverse biased 4.5V third diode159. The second diode 156, the fourth capacitor 157 and the third diode159 comprise the rectifier circuit. Further connected to the secondcircuit node 158, in parallel with each of the capacitor 157 and thereverse diode 159, is a light circuit 160.

The light circuit 160 contains an integrated circuit (C) 161 forcontrolling lighting effects provided by the lighting device 850. In theembodiments shown, the IC 161 is a 16-pin, two-color LED IC forcontrolling first and second light emitting diodes (LEDs) 134A and 134B.Each of pins 1 and 15 is connected in series to respective switches 169and 171. Each of the switches 169 and 171 is then connected to thenegative terminal of the battery 33. In one embodiment, the switches 169and 171 correspond to the LEDs 134A and 134B to enable or disable aparticular color range. In another embodiment, the switches 169 and 171determine the frequency of a color changing effect. In a furtherembodiment, the switches 169 and 171 determine the intensity of lightemitted by each of the LEDs 134A and 134B. Various combinations of thefrequency and intensity of light are also possible. The switches 169 and171 can be made accessible to a user to create custom lighting effects.Alternatively, the switches 169 and 171 are set according to apredetermined configuration and are not readily accessible by a user.

Pin 4 of the IC 161 enables an optional pause function. In thisembodiment, pin 4 connects to a push button 165 that is, in turn,connected to the negative terminal of the batteries 33. Pin 3 of the IC161 connects to the second circuit node 158. Connected to the secondcircuit node 158, and in parallel with one another, are the first andsecond forward biased light emitting diodes (LEDs) 134A and 134B.

The first LED 134A is connected in series with a sixth resistor 166 thatis connected to pin 13 of the IC 161. The second LED 134B is connectedin series with a seventh resistor 167 that is connected to pin 12 of theIC 161. In this example, the first LED 134A emits white light and thesecond LED 134B emits predominantly ultraviolet light.

Pins 6 and 8 of the IC 161 are tied to one another via a ninth resistor171, which in the embodiment shown is a 20K ohm resistor. The valve ofthe ninth resistor 171 determines the frequency of a color changecreated by the IC 161. Accordingly, using different resistor values forthe ninth resistor 171 produces color changes of different frequencies.Pin 9 of the IC 161 is tied to the negative terminal of the battery 33.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a solar powered gazing ball 850 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

The lighting device 850 employs the circuit of FIG. 20.

In this embodiment, the lighting device 850 includes a lens 852 ofgenerally spherical form consisting of a lower portion 856 fixed to anupper portion 854. Preferably, the lower portion 856 and upper portion854 are fixed in a waterproof manner by a permanent waterproof adhesive.A neck 866 extends from the lower portion 856. Preferably, the lowerportion 856 is made from a thermoplastic. Preferably, the upper portion854 is made of glass.

The lower portion 856 includes a battery compartment 858 providing acavity 862 within which a battery holder 868 is located and supportsvertically-oriented batteries 33. The battery compartment 858 is closedby a closure member 860 that acts as a cap or lid closing the cavity862. The member 860 includes a pad 864 that abuts the batteries 33 toaid in retaining them in position. The closure member 860 has electricalcontacts to provide electrical connections between the batteries 33 whenthe closure member 860 is closed.

The lens 852 encloses a chamber 874 to which the solar cell 30 isexposed so that the solar cell 30 receives light through the lens 852.Located proximate to the solar cell 30 is a circuit board 29 having thecircuit 629.

Mounted in the chamber 874 are the LEDs 134A, 134B that are covered bymeans of a translucent diffuser 876.

Mounted on the closure member 860 is the switch 140 and/or switch 165 ofthe circuit 629.

The battery compartment 858 includes a generally circular internallythreaded closure member 860 that threadably engages the circular neck866 of the lower portion 856.

In respect of the above preferred embodiment, the battery compartment858 is integrally formed with the neck 866 and engages the closuremember 860 by means of an annular seal (not shown) to sealingly connectthe closure member 860 to the neck 866.

To provide access to the batteries 33 and switches 140 and 165, the lens852 is rotated about the axis 878 relative to the closure member 860 sothere is relative movement between the closure member 860 and the neck866. This relative movement removes the closure member 860 from the lens852. Accordingly a user may then remove the batteries 33 forreplacement. Alternatively, the circuit 629 is switched on by relativemovement between the closure member 860 and the neck 866, whichseparates the batteries 33 from the electrical contacts.

Alternatively, the closure member 860 not threaded but is resilient andsecures to the smooth sided neck 866 via an elastic fit.

In a further embodiment, in which the lighting system includes a lightemitting diode that has an emission spectrum that includes light capableof exciting a luminescent material associated with the gazing globe, thelighting subsystem may include circuitry for cycling the light emittingdiode between an “on” state that causes the luminescent material to emitfluorescent light and an “off” state that allows the luminescentmaterial to emit phosphorescent light. Cycling from the on to the offstate may take place in a time scale of several seconds, or it may takeplace over a time scale of minutes, or any suitable time scalein-between.

Moreover, the lighting system may also include a switch to allow a userto select between the light emitting diode being in the “on” state,being in the “off” state or being in the state of cycling between the“on” and the “off” state.

Although, in the embodiments illustrated above and below, the gazingglobe has been shown resting on a support, one of ordinary skill in theart will appreciate that the globes may also be suspended from asupport, as illustrated in, for instance, U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11/303,247 filed on Dec. 16, 2005 by Simon N. Richmond entitled “AnIlluminated Wind Chime”, to which this application is acontinuation-in-part, and the contents of which are already incorporatedby reference in this application.

For instance, a housing element may house the solar energy system. Thehousing element may be part of a support system, such as, but notlimited to, a removable stake. Or the housing system may itself besuspended from a support system. The housing may include a suspensionelement from which the gazing globe may be suspended.

In a further embodiment, the solar energy system may include a solarpanel that is suspended beneath the gazing globe.

In a further embodiment, the solar energy system, including the solarpanel, may be contained inside the gazing globe.

Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addresseeare deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

Although the invention has been described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarilylimited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specificfeatures and acts are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing theclaimed invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A lighting device comprising: a solar chargingdevice; at least one battery power source charged by said solar chargingdevice; at least one light emitting diode powered by said at least onebattery power source; light circuitry to illuminate said at least onelight emitting diode when ambient light levels falls below apredetermined light level; a support member for supporting said at leastone light emitting diode above a surface; and a base portion including:a base housing supporting said at least one solar cell; and an at leastpartially cylindrical neck portion, wherein said neck portion at leastpartly houses said battery power source; wherein said support memberincludes an upper region forming a cylindrical recessed aperture; andwherein said cylindrical recessed region removably accommodates aportion of said neck portion such that a substantial portion of saidneck portion is hidden from view from a position lateral to said supportmember when said portion of said neck portion is fully inserted intosaid cylindrical recessed region.
 2. The lighting device of claim 1,wherein said support member is one of a stand, a pedestal, a figure-likestatue, a post, a riser and a pole.
 3. The lighting device of claim 1,wherein said support member comprises an axial conduit running throughits center of rotational symmetry.
 4. The lighting device of claim 3,wherein said axial conduit is said cylindrical recessed region.
 5. Alighting device comprising: a solar charging device; a battery powersource charged by said solar charging device; at least one lightemitting diode powered by said battery power source; light circuitry toilluminate said at least one light emitting diode when ambient lightlevels falls below a predetermined light level; a support member forsupporting said at least one light emitting diode above a surface; abase portion including: a base housing supporting said at least onesolar cell: a battery power source charged by said solar chargingdevice; and a cylindrical neck portion, wherein said neck portion atleast partly houses said battery power source; wherein said supportmember includes an upper region forming a cylindrical recessed aperture;wherein said neck portion has a substantially tubular outer dimensionalstructure such that said neck portion may be removably inserted intosaid cylindrical recessed aperture and wherein said neck portion issupported by said support member when said neck portion is inserted intosaid recessed region; said light device being operable independent ofsaid neck portion being inserted into said support member.
 6. Thelighting device of claim 5 comprising timing circuitry to control powerfrom said battery power source to said at least one light emitting diodesuch that said at least one light emitting diode is turned off by saidtiming circuitry after a predetermined period of time to conservebattery charge in said battery power source.
 7. The lighting device ofclaim 5, wherein said support member is one of a stand, a pedestal, afigure-like statue, a post, a riser and a pole.
 8. The lighting deviceof claim 5, wherein said support member comprises an axial conduitrunning through its center of rotational symmetry.
 9. The lightingdevice of claim 8, wherein said axial conduit includes said cylindricalrecessed region to removably accommodate a portion of said neck portionsuch that a substantial portion of said neck portion is hidden from viewfrom a position lateral to said support member when said portion of saidneck portion is fully inserted into said cylindrical recessed region.10. A lighting device comprising: an at least partiallylight-transmissive diffuser having a lower generally circular apertureand generally enclosing a chamber; a solar charging device; a batterypower source charged by said solar charging device; at least one lightemitting diode powered by said battery power source; light circuitry toilluminate said at least one light emitting diode when ambient lightlevels falls below a predetermined light level; a support member forsupporting said at least one light emitting diode above a surface; and abase portion including: a base housing supporting said at least onesolar cell; and a cylindrical neck portion, wherein said neck portion atleast partly houses said battery power source; wherein said supportmember comprises an axial conduit running through its center ofrotational symmetry; wherein said axial conduit comprises a cylindricalrecessed region to removably accommodate a portion of said neck portionsuch that a substantial portion of said neck portion is hidden from viewfrom a position lateral to said support member when said portion of saidneck portion is fully inserted into said cylindrical recessed region.11. The lighting device of claim 10 comprising: timing circuitry tocontrol power from said battery power source to said at least one lightemitting diode such that said at least one light emitting diode isturned off by said timing circuitry after a predetermined period of timeto conserve battery charge in said battery power source.
 12. Thelighting device of claim 10, wherein said support member is one of astand, a pedestal, a figure-like statue, a post, a riser and a pole, andwherein said diffuser is one of a glass lens, a thermoplastic lens, agazing globe, a ball, a globe, a globe lens, and an orb.
 13. A lightingdevice comprising: a solar charging device; a battery power sourcecharged by said solar charging device; at least one light emitting diodepowered by said battery power source; light circuitry to illuminate saidat least one light emitting diode when ambient light levels falls belowa predetermined light level; a support member for supporting said atleast one light emitting diode above a surface wherein said supportmember comprises an at least partially cylindrical recessed region; anda base portion including: a base housing supporting said at least onesolar cell; an at least partially cylindrical neck portion, wherein saidneck portion at least partly houses said battery power source; and auser-operable switch to control said circuit, wherein said switch isaccessible by a user when said neck portion is separated from saidsupport member and wherein said switch is not accessible by said userwhen said neck portion is fully inserted into said at least partiallycylindrical recessed region.
 14. The lighting device of claim 13comprising timing circuitry to control power from said battery powersource to said at least one light emitting diode such that said at leastone light emitting diode is turned off by said timing circuitry after apredetermined period of time to conserve battery charge in said batterypower source.
 15. The lighting device of claim 13, wherein said supportmember is one of a stand, a pedestal, a figure-like statue, a post, ariser and a pole.
 16. The lighting device of claim 13, wherein saidsupport member comprises an axial conduit running through its center ofrotational symmetry.
 17. The lighting device of claim 16, wherein saidaxial conduit includes said at least partially cylindrical recessedregion to removably accommodate a portion of said neck portion such thata substantial portion of said neck portion is hidden from view from aposition lateral to said support member when said portion of said neckportion is fully inserted into said cylindrical recessed region.
 18. Alighting device, comprising: a diffuser having a wall formed to enclosea chamber and an aperture in said wall to said chamber; at least oneelectrical light source positioned to direct light outward through saiddiffuser via said chamber; a circuit for controlling power to said atleast one electrical light source; at least one solar cell; a baseportion attached to a portion of said diffuser proximate to saidaperture, wherein said base portion comprises: a base housing supportingsaid at least one solar cell; a neck portion extending away from saidbase housing and said diffuser; a user-operable switch accessible viasaid neck portion to control said circuit; a battery compartment toreceive at least one rechargeable battery; and a support membercomprising an at least partly cylindrical recessed region at an upperregion of said support member; wherein said at least one solar cell isexposed to ambient light in said chamber so that said at least one solarcell receives ambient light through said diffuser via said chamber tocharge said at least one rechargeable battery; wherein said neck portionhas a substantially tubular outer surface such that said neck portionmay be removably inserted into said at least partially cylindricalrecessed region at an upper region of a support member during use;wherein said circuit and said at least one electrical light source areoperable independent of said neck portion being inserted into said atleast partially cylindrical recessed region, including when said neckportion is removed from said at least partially cylindrical recessedregion; wherein said base housing is elevated and supported by saidsupport member when said neck portion is inserted into said at leastpartially cylindrical recessed region; wherein a substantial portion ofsaid neck portion is hidden from view from a position lateral to saidsupport member when said substantial portion of said neck portion isfully inserted into said at least partially cylindrical recessed region;and wherein said switch is inaccessible when said substantial portion ofsaid neck portion is fully inserted into said at least partiallycylindrical recessed region.
 19. The lighting device of claim 18,wherein said support member comprises an axial conduit running throughits center of rotational symmetry.
 20. The lighting device of claim 19,wherein said axial conduit includes said at least partially cylindricalrecessed region.
 21. The lighting device of claim 19, wherein said wallis curved to form a portion of a sphere.
 22. The lighting device ofclaim 18, wherein said switch is accessible via an extended end of saidneck portion and is only accessible when said neck portion is removedfrom into said at least partially cylindrical recessed region.
 23. Alighting device, comprising: an at least partially light-transmissivediffuser having a lower aperture and generally enclosing a chamber; atleast one electrical light source located to direct light upwardsthrough at least an upper portion of said at least partiallylight-transmissive diffuser via said chamber; a circuit for controllingpower to said at least one electrical light source; at least one solarcell; a base portion attached to a lower portion of said at leastpartially light-transmissive diffuser, wherein said base portioncomprises: a base housing supporting said at least one solar cell; an atleast partially hollow neck portion extending below said base housing; abattery compartment at least partially disposed in said base housingproviding a cavity to receive at least one rechargeable battery; and auser-operable switch accessible via a lower face of said neck portion tocontrol said circuit; wherein said neck portion has a substantiallytubular outer dimensional structure such that said neck portion and saidswitch may be removably inserted into a cylindrical recessed region atan upper region of a support member during use and wherein said neckportion is supported by said support member when said neck portion isinserted into said recessed region; wherein said switch is accessible bya user when said neck portion is separated from said support member andwherein said switch is inaccessible by said user when said neck portionis fully inserted into an at least partially cylindrical recessed regionof said support member; and wherein said at least one solar cell isexposed to said chamber so that said at least one solar cell receivesambient light through at least part of said at least partiallylight-transmissive diffuser to charge said at least one rechargeablebattery.